Same sad story for Rangers

New Jersey beats New York again in first clash since Eastern finals

Associated Press

Associated Press

Published 11:26 pm, Tuesday, February 5, 2013

New Jersey Devils' Adam Henrique (14) celebrates with teammate David Clarkson, center right, after scoring a goal against the New York Rangers during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2013, in Newark, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

NEWARK, N.J. — David Clarkson scored twice and set up New Jersey's other goal, and Patrik Elias matched his career best with three assists to lead the Devils to a 3-1 victory over the New York Rangers on Tuesday night in their first meeting since last spring's Eastern Conference finals.

The Devils, who won that series in six games, got 24 saves from Martin Brodeur.

Adam Henrique, who ended that series with an overtime goal in Game 6, picked up where he left off, scoring in close five minutes after the opening face-off to give the Devils a lead they would never lose.

Nash was at the center of the Rangers' futility in a game where they failed on four first-period power plays and fell behind 2-0.

Nash had a chance less than a minute before Henrique gave New Jersey the lead. He broke in on Brodeur and crashed into the 40-year-old goalie. Nash slammed into the goalpost and it went off its peg before the puck crossed the goal line and was waved off by the referees. The play was reviewed and the call was upheld.

Henrique scored less than a minute later after New York failed to clear the puck. Clarkson sent it behind the net and Elias found Henrique for his second goal of the season.

Brodeur, who was looking for his 121st career shutout, made his best save on defenseman Marc Staal late in a four-minute penalty to defenseman Andy Greene for high sticking. New York kept the puck in the New Jersey zone and Staal got a shot from low in the left circle. Brodeur slid across the crease, blocked the shot with his pad and fell on the puck before the Rangers could attack the rebound.

Clarkson doubled the lead with 53 seconds left in the period. Once again, the Rangers had trouble clearing and the Devils took advantage when Stephen Gionta's pass in front got tangled in Nash's skates and Clarkson slammed the loose puck between Lundqvist's pads for his sixth goal.

Nash had the Rangers' best chance in the second period when he swooped in on goal, got Brodeur out of position and then slid his shot across the goalmouth with the net open.

Clarkson made it 3-0 early in the third, putting the rebound of a Greene power-play shot past Lundqvist.

Kreider, returning from an ankle injury, ended Brodeur's shutout bid with a shot over the goaltender's shoulder at 6:28 of the third period.

The Rangers pressed the rest of the way but Brodeur made two nice saves on Marian Gaborik, a glove stop on Staal and a spectacular glove save on a deflection by Carl Hagelin.